In this thought-provoking episode of the Passion Struck Podcast, we are joined by the visionary Esther Dyson, a renowned angel investor, author, and pioneer in the digital space. With decades of experience at the intersection of technology, business, and human development, Esther shares her insights on how technology is shaping human connection in both positive and challenging ways.
We dive deep into her perspective on systems change, the disconnection caused by the digital age, and how we can foster meaningful transformations through technology. Esther also discusses her groundbreaking book, Release 2.0: A Design for Living in the Digital Age, where she explores the complexities of living in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Join us as we explore how we can reclaim our humanity and create healthier, more connected societies in an ever-evolving digital world.
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“We need to focus more on human capacity, healthy humans, making sure people get aided by machines, rather than replaced by them.”
esther dyson
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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Esther Dyson Discusses Technology, Human Connection, and Systems Change
In this insightful conversation on the Passion Struck Podcast, Esther Dyson, angel investor and founder of Wellville, discusses how technology has impacted human connection, the systems changes need to fix it, and how it impacts health equity. Esther provides a fresh perspective on the challenges society faces in the digital age and how we can tackle issues like disconnection, unhealthy tech habits, and the breakdown of community.
Throughout the episode, she draws on her experience with Wellville—a nonprofit focused on improving health outcomes in communities—to emphasize the importance of fostering long-term, meaningful change instead of relying on quick fixes. Together with John R. Miles, she unpacks the broader societal shifts needed to ensure a healthier and more interconnected future.
Esther’s insights provide a roadmap for how we can use technology as a tool for human progress, without letting it isolate or divide us. In this episode, you’ll also learn why cultivating self-awareness, making intentional choices, and rethinking leadership are critical to creating a thriving, sustainable society.
In this episode with Esther Dyson, we’ll cover:
- Systems Change: Esther shares her experiences with Wellville and how communities can drive long-term improvements in health and well-being by focusing on prevention rather than repair.
- Disconnection in the Digital Age: The impact of technology on human relationships and the importance of reconnecting with one another in a digital world.
- The Future of Technology: Esther talks about the ethical implications of AI and how technology should be used to enhance human potential, not replace it.
- Leadership for the Future: The evolving role of leadership in guiding teams through complex societal and technological changes, with a focus on autonomy and motivation.
- The Power of Self-Awareness: A discussion on how cultivating self-awareness and intentionality can help us make better choices in a world that often values instant gratification.
WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH ESTHER DYSON A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the deeper impacts of technology on our lives and societies. Esther Dyson’s wisdom will help you navigate the complexities of the digital age and inspire you to be more intentional about how you engage with technology. Her experience in driving systemic change and her focus on the human aspect of technological advancements make this episode invaluable for leaders, changemakers, and anyone looking to cultivate meaningful relationships in an increasingly disconnected world.
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Wellville: Esther Dyson’s Vision for Health Equity and Community Transformation
During this captivating Passion Struck Podcast interview, Swiss-born American investor, journalist, author, commentator, and philanthropist Esther Dyson explained the transformative work of Wellville, a nonprofit organization she founded to improve health outcomes in five U.S. communities. This ambitious project is centered around driving long-term, sustainable improvements in health by addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting preventive care over-reactive, costly solutions. Esther believes that by rethinking how communities approach health, we can build stronger, healthier societies—ones that focus on prevention rather than merely managing disease.
Wellville’s approach is unique in that it focuses not just on individual well-being, but on systemic change within entire communities. Through her work, Esther has fostered collaboration across multiple sectors, from local governments to healthcare systems, in an effort to change the way people think about health and wellness. Her goal is to create healthier environments where people can thrive, with an emphasis on self-awareness, education, and access to resources that help individuals take charge of their own health.
As discussed in her book Release 2.0: A Design for Living in the Digital Age, Esther emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one another in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. She challenges the prevailing notions of health care, proposing that technology, when used thoughtfully, can become a key tool for promoting human well-being. Esther also explains that Wellville’s work is not just about improving physical health, but also about strengthening the social fabric of communities, empowering people to work together towards common goals.
Wellville’s mission is to shift the focus from immediate fixes to long-term prevention strategies that can build healthier communities over time. In the podcast, Esther shared stories of how the five Wellville communities—each with unique challenges—are working together to improve access to healthy food, reduce chronic disease, and create environments that foster health and well-being.
Through Wellville, Esther Dyson is helping to catalyze a movement that encourages communities to take collective responsibility for health in both individual and systemic ways. Her vision is one where communities are supported in their journey towards sustainable health outcomes, ensuring that no one is left behind and everyone has the tools they need to live their healthiest, most connected lives. This vision of health equity was a central theme throughout the Passion Struck Podcast interview and reflects the deep connection between technology, human well-being, and societal transformation.
THANKS, ESTHER DYSON
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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH ESTHER DYSON
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Esther Dyson’s Website
- Esther Dyson’s Instagram
- Wellville’s Website
- BUY Esther Dyson’s Book: https://a.co/d/iay0YQa
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
My solo episode on The 6 Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal Growth
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Can’t miss my episode with Seth Godin on Why We Need Systems Change to Save the Planet
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Listen to my conversation with Ethan Mollick on the Impact of AI on Life and Work
About Today’s Guest, Esther Dyson
Esther Dyson is a Swiss-born American investor, journalist, author, commentator, and philanthropist with a passion for fostering systemic change and improving human well-being. Known for her work at the intersection of technology, health, and community development, Esther has been a trailblazer in championing the role of technology in shaping better societies. She is the founder of Wellville, a nonprofit initiative aimed at transforming health outcomes in five U.S. communities by focusing on long-term, preventive health strategies and improving the overall quality of life.
Esther is also the author of Release 2.0: A Design for Living in the Digital Age, where she explores how individuals and communities can navigate the challenges of the digital age while embracing healthier, more meaningful connections. With an extensive career as an angel investor and commentator on emerging technologies, Esther has been a key figure in the tech world for over two decades, with a focus on the impact of digital advancements on human behavior and societal systems. Throughout her career, she has worked to highlight the importance of building resilient, transparent, and equitable systems that promote human connection, health, and well-being.
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